Why Does Attending Church Matter?

"Why Does Attending Church Matter?"

Attending church has been a regular practice for Christians throughout history. While personal devotion, prayer, and Bible study are essential, gathering with other believers plays a unique and irreplaceable role in spiritual growth. Let’s look at a few of the reasons why it is important to attend church.

1. The church is referred to as the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12 the apostle Paul tells us that although the body has many members there is one body all working together and so it is with Christ and his church.
2. The Bible also encourages us to meet together. In Hebrews 10 we read Gods command for believers. “Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
3. The area of spiritual growth through education and fellowship. In Acts 2 we read how the early church devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. We learn that the believers committed themselves to sound teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. These practices are still a vital part of the church and the believer's commitment to God.
4. Accountability and support. The church provides an environment where believers can encourage and support each other and hold one another accountable. In times of difficulty and struggle, the community of the church can offer guidance and encouragement. Ecclesiastes 4 says “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
5. Finally, the church is called to be a witness to the world. In the gospel of John 17 Jesus prays for his followers. His desire for the church is to have a living testimony that will speak truth to a world that is constantly challenged with untruths. Believers not only encourage each other but have an obligation to reach others in the world and share Gods love as recorded in Matthew 28.

I hope this helps those who attend church to be encouraged to continue and for any who may not be attending this could be the opportunity to start by following these godly examples. Blessings my friends.
 
Pastor Steve